Rivers residents lament prolonged power outages

By: Olawale Sanusi

citizens of Rivers State have expressed frustration over persistent power outages, with some communities reportedly experiencing blackouts lasting several weeks and, in extreme cases, up to two months.

The Nigerian Tribune noted that the worsening electricity situation, widely attributed to the operations of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED), has sparked public outcry and called on the authorities to urgently intervene and restore stable power supply.

Many residents said the prolonged outages have taken a heavy toll on small and medium-scale businesses, forcing operators to rely heavily on fuel-powered generators, whose running costs have continued to soar amid rising fuel prices.

A resident, Christian Barimene, described the past few days as particularly difficult for business owners and households alike.

He noted that electricity supply had been extremely poor for about four days, leaving many businesses struggling to survive.

He said the high cost of fueling generators has become unbearable, adding that the prevailing hot weather has worsened living conditions, making it difficult for residents to sleep comfortably at night.

Another resident, identified simply as Mary, said the problem had persisted for several weeks in her area and lamented that electricity supply, when available, only lasts for a short period before being put out.

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Similarly, Ovie Wallace painted a grim picture of conditions in his neighbourhood, claiming that residents had not enjoyed electricity supply for nearly two months.

He criticised the billing system, alleging that residents continue to receive high estimated bills despite prolonged periods without power supply.

Another resident, Uduak, appealed to the authorities to address the crisis.

He warned that many small businesses are gradually collapsing, due to the power outage